In the pursuit of high-quality life today, mineral water as a representative of health drinks, its safety has become one of the most concerned consumers. The Hong Kong Consumer Council's latest "Choice" magazine released a report in which they tested 30 types of bottled water on the market, mainly to check the safety of these bottled water. Tests of disinfectant residues and by-products found that two popular types of bottled water in China, "Spring Spring" and "Mountain Spring," contained 3 micrograms of bromate per kilogram. This concentration has exceeded the optimum value of bromate in natural mineral water and spring water for ozone treatment stipulated by European Union, which has aroused widespread concern and discussion.

* Photo from public network.

Ⅰ.Source analysis of bromate

      Bromate, as an inorganic compound, is not a natural component of mineral water. Its appearance is often closely related to the natural environment of the water head site and the subsequent processing technology. Firstly, bromine ion (Br) in water head site is the precursor of bromate, which is widely found in seawater, saline groundwater and some rocks rich in bromine minerals. When these sources are used as water withdrawal points for mineral water, bromine ions may enter the production process.

Ⅱ.the double-edged sword of ozone disinfection

In the production process of mineral spring water, in order to kill microorganisms and ensure the safety of water quality, most manufacturers will use ozone (O3) as a detoxifier. Ozone, with its strong oxidation, can effectively decompose organic matter, inactivate viruses and bacteria, and is recognized as an efficient and environmentally friendly water treatment method. Bromine ions (Br) in water sources will form bromate under certain conditions, such as reaction with strong oxidizing agents (such as ozone). It is this link, if not properly controlled, may lead to excessive bromate content.

During the ozone disinfection process, if the water source contains high levels of bromide ions, ozone will react with these bromide ions to form bromate. This chemical reaction also occurs under natural conditions, but in an artificially controlled disinfection environment, due to the high ozone concentration, the reaction rate is greatly accelerated, which may cause the bromate content to exceed safety standard.

 III. Contribution of Environmental Factors

    In addition to the production process, environmental factors can not be ignored. With the intensification of global climate change and environmental pollution, groundwater in some areas may be more affected by external influences. Such as seawater intrusion, infiltration of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, etc., which may increase the content of bromide ions in water sources, thereby increasing the risk of bromate formation in subsequent treatment.

    Bromate is actually a minor substance produced after ozone disinfection of multiple natural resources such as mineral water and mountain spring water. It has been identified as a Class 2B possible carcinogen internationally. When humans consume too much bromate , symptoms of nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In more severe cases, this may have adverse effects on the kidneys and nervous system!

 IV. The role of low-pressure ozone-free amalgam lamps in water treatment.

    Low-pressure ozone-free amalgam lamps, as a type of ultraviolet (UV) light source, emit spectral characteristics of the main wave of 253.7nm and efficient sterilization capabilities. They have been widely used in the field of water treatment. Its main mechanism of action is to use ultraviolet rays to destroy microorganisms. DNA structure to achieve the purpose of sterilization and disinfection.

1. Sterilization effect is significant:

    The ultraviolet wavelength emitted by the low-pressure ozone-free amalgam lamp is mainly concentrated around 253.7nm, which is the band with the strongest absorption by microbial DNA such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, the lamp can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, parasites and other harmful microorganisms in the water, ensuring the safety of water quality.

 2 .No chemical residual: 

    Compared with chemical disinfection agent, low pressure amalgam lamp sterilizes by physical means without any chemical residual, avoiding the risk of secondary pollution. This is particularly important for the treatment of direct drinking water such as mineral water

 3. maintaining water quality stability:

    In the production process of mineral water, the low-pressure amalgam lamp can not only be used for the disinfection of the final product, but

also can be used for water pretreatment, pipeline cleaning, etc., to help maintain the water quality stability of the entire production system.

However, it should be noted that the low-pressure ozone-free amalgam lamp emits a main wave of the spectrum at 253.7nm, and the wavelength below 200nm is almost negligible and does not produce high concentrations of ozone. Therefore, no excessive bromate is produced during the water sterilization process. 

Low Pressure UV Ozone Free Amalgam Lamp

V. Conclusion

    The problem of excessive bromate content in mineral water is a complex water treatment challenge that requires in-depth research and

exploration from multiple perspectives. Low pressure ozone free mercury lamps, as important tools in the field of water treatment, each have

unique advantages and applicability. In the production process of mineral water, appropriate light sources and technical means should be selected

according to the actual situation, and water quality monitoring and control should be strengthened to ensure that every drop of mineral water can

meet the standards of safety and purity. At the same time, we should continue to pay attention to the latest developments and innovative

applications of water treatment technology, and contribute more wisdom and strength to improving the safety and quality of drinking water.